Topic: Trimming rear fenders of a 4Runner

[Volcom]

I just got my hands on a 84 4runner.  I've got an 85 truck that I was going to flatbed and run 36-37-38 inch tires.  I had a little girl 2 months ago and decided to build a 4Runner to take the whole family along rather than just two seats like the truck has. 

Anybody have a how-to guide on the internet about trimming the rear fenders?  I am going to be running the wider 86+ axle if that makes a difference at all.  I wasn't going to put a 2 inch body lift on my truck but now am kinda considering it for the 4Runner.  Would that be wise or no?

sorry for the 100 questions, I just want to build this thing right from the start 

[mr4x42u]

I trimmed my fenders way up..The hard part was doing the inner fenderwell..Its kind of a pain..I cut the inner well into pie slice shapesand trimmed them back as needed..i never tacked in new sheet metal due to the fact my well are shot lived as I will be building it into a 4tuggy soon.. but its real easy to do..I also used a 2 in body lift,,this was a gain in alot of belly clearance with the fror cross member,,I'm real close to flat belly,,not quite,,but close..A marling clocked adapter would fix that..if you go with a body lift just stay with a low low lift in the springs to make up the difference..I am Very happy with the way my runner does..

[Volcom [OP]]

I trimmed my fenders way up..The hard part was doing the inner fenderwell..Its kind of a pain..I cut the inner well into pie slice shapesand trimmed them back as needed..i never tacked in new sheet metal due to the fact my well are shot lived as I will be building it into a 4tuggy soon.. but its real easy to do..I also used a 2 in body lift,,this was a gain in alot of belly clearance with the fror cross member,,I'm real close to flat belly,,not quite,,but close..A marling clocked adapter would fix that..if you go with a body lift just stay with a low low lift in the springs to make up the difference..I am Very happy with the way my runner does..

Are you running taller engine mounts or just tipped tranny and tcases up?  I'm thinking of the 2 inch body lift in combo with some rears up front and Ford F-150 springs in the back.  I was planning on that setup on my truck but hopefully the F-150 springs will work on the 4Runner with the extra weight?

Thanks for the quick reply 

[mr4x42u]

I'm running the chevies in the rear and rears up front..i love it,for a full length 4runner i would not go anyother way,,if you plan on a bob in the rear then a shorter spring would be better such as the f-150 pack..if your going to stay full length then go with the chevies for sure..just my 2cents,,it will give you a nice transition from tire to sprimg to bumper in the rocks..Like I said for a full length runner its an awesome set up..I left the engine alone,,it at stock height and I just lifted the tranny and t-case and welded some chain on the motor mounts to keep the stock rubber mounts from getting torn on the trail..

[Volcom [OP]]

Nice, do you have any pictures of your setup?  Thanks for the tips and I might be looking at some chevys now.  Sucks because I just bought the f-150's last month 

Do the chevys flex better since they are on the heavier 4Runner?  They don't seem to flex all that well on the trucks with no weight in the back.  What kind of shackle length are you running and if you have a picture of the rear of your 4runner so I can see if the shackles hang down kinda low?

Thanks again for all of your help, I'll probably be asking for it more and more 

[mr4x42u]

Yea,,i have some pics,,,i am at work now but will do it here in just a bit..My shackles are about 5inches,,i feel thats about an average length..If you already have the fords then run them,there is nothing wrong woith that set up,,and the good thing about the fords is they are shorter,,so bobing the rear later is a option with out having the springs stick out too far..,,and yea,,the chevies work real nice with the added weight of the runner body,,I'm sure the fords will do the same..

[mr4x42u]

here is a pic for ya,, 2in body lift,,about a 3 in suspension lift and 36 irocks..

[Volcom [OP]]

Nice, thanks for the picture.  Looks like that's the direction my 4Runner is headed, wrinkled and proud 

[mr4x42u]

it was nice once upon a time,,in a land far away from rocks

[Hyena]

it was nice once upon a time,,in a land far away from rocks

Too true, i remember it just like it was yesterday. 
<<<<<< Well, last week maybe.